A review of Alice Brine: Brinestorm, Fringe 2022

After joking about flashing her fanny on stage, Alice Brine joked, “Imagine if there was a reviewer in the audience and it all went wrong!”

It’s all okay, though this 16+ rated comedy act and debut from Alice Brine may have been the edgiest in my safely woke-curated tour of the fringe this year. Brinestorm is a look at the reality of life with ADHD, which is why we might end up on tangents such as discussing the wisdom of flashing during a gig.

And just to reassure/disappoint, Brinestorm isn’t that edgy — except, importantly, it’s more real than some so-called-edgy shows. It’s undoubtedly very sharp!

I’m not sure I count as a reviewer, despite having a blog about reviews, as I’m sure there should be some sort of competency level in place for me to one day reach, but Alice is safe from me. I enjoyed the show!

Brinestorm

My favourite story comes right at the end – about Alice running a Facebook page (or two). That’s a bit close to my day job, and sometimes comedy contrast to the everyday familiar, is the best escape of them all.

I’ve felt some of these pains and not only laughed with Alice as she sailed through the seafood waters but also encountered some of the dramas she dealt with.

Ironically, perhaps, I went to Brinestorm to better equip myself with ADHD knowledge. The NHS defines Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder;

People with ADHD can seem restless, may have trouble concentrating and may act on impulse.

Sadly, predictably, ADHD is often not diagnosed in girls because society quickly forces girls to learn masking behaviour and can be too slow to worry about them at all.

We see that again in Alice’s story about tampons or their lack at work.

Did I say Brinestorm was edgy? I feel we’ve just toured Facebook and two cultural issues about equality and fairness exist. As it turns out, Brinestorm is a good match for my interests. Reality is edgy.

Overall

I was a bit intimidated at first but was soon won over. Alice keeps the audience wrapt, doesn’t pick on them and lays down the truthbombs.

Imaging life with ADHD is made so much easier. Whether it now rings a bell with your own experiences or you feel better equipped to spend time with a sufferer, Brimestorm is a force for funny good.

The ADHD UK charity accepts donations.